Crozer Health’s computer systems were knocked offline Thursday by a ransomware attack
Crozer said it will provide updates on the cyberattack when it has more information.
Computer systems at Delaware County’s Crozer Health were offline Thursday after a ransomware attack on the health system’s owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., the company said.
“We have experienced a ransomware attack that is Prospect-wide, and are currently evaluating the situation,” Crozer spokesperson Lori Bookbinder said in a text. “We will provide updates as appropriate.”
Ransomware is a kind of malevolent software that encrypts files, making them unusable until a financial demand is met.
Crozer includes Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park. Prospect ended inpatient services at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill and Springfield Hospital in Springfield.
In June 2020, Crozer was the victim of a malware attack. The organization said at the time that it had quickly isolated the problem, but trade publications that cover cybersecurity said some Crozer data was put up for auction after Crozer declined to pay ransom.
The health-care sector is the most popular target for cyberattacks, and the sector lags others in cybersecurity measures, Moody’s Investor Service said in an April report. The industry is considered a rich target because its data systems contain personal information like names and addresses, ages, and social security numbers.
The Philadelphia Inquirer suffered a cyberattack in May that prevented the publication of the outlet’s Sunday, May 14, print edition.